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Whiskey, Tango & Foxtrot Mystery #1
A Taste Fur Murder
Introducing an animal-loving Gal Friday with a telepathic cat, a shapeshifting dog, and a ghost of a chance of solving supernatural crime…
Meet Deirdre “Foxtrot” Lancaster. Trusted employee of eccentric zillionairess Zelda Zoransky, Foxtrot manages a mansion, a private zoo, and anything else that strikes her boss’s fancy. Her job title is Administrative Assistant, but chaos handler would be more accurate. Especially after she glimpses a giant ghost-beast in Zelda’s pet cemetery. For some strange reason, Foxtrot is seeing animal spirits. And, ready or not, the fur’s about to hit the fan…
Still reeling, Foxtrot comes home to find her cat, Tango—her dead cat Tango—alive and well and communicating telepathically. But that’s not all: There’s an ectoplasmic dog named Tiny who changes breeds with a shake of his tail…and can sniff out a clue like nobody’s business. So when a coworker drops dead while organizing closets, Tiny is on the case. Can Foxtrot and her new companions ferret out the killer among a menagerie of suspects—human and otherwise—before death takes another bite?
Meet Deirdre “Foxtrot” Lancaster. Trusted employee of eccentric zillionairess Zelda Zoransky, Foxtrot manages a mansion, a private zoo, and anything else that strikes her boss’s fancy. Her job title is Administrative Assistant, but chaos handler would be more accurate. Especially after she glimpses a giant ghost-beast in Zelda’s pet cemetery. For some strange reason, Foxtrot is seeing animal spirits. And, ready or not, the fur’s about to hit the fan…
Still reeling, Foxtrot comes home to find her cat, Tango—her dead cat Tango—alive and well and communicating telepathically. But that’s not all: There’s an ectoplasmic dog named Tiny who changes breeds with a shake of his tail…and can sniff out a clue like nobody’s business. So when a coworker drops dead while organizing closets, Tiny is on the case. Can Foxtrot and her new companions ferret out the killer among a menagerie of suspects—human and otherwise—before death takes another bite?
323 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 25, 2014
31 people are currently reading
1420 people want to read
About the author
Dixie Lyle
20 books93 followersDixie Lyle loves animals, mysteries, books, reading, words, bad puns (are there any other kind?) and once had a torrid summer romance with an entire library. Did I mention the books? Oh, and definitely doesn't believe in the supernatural. Nope, not me. Hey, what was that sound? Where's that spooky green glow coming from? Oh, hello, didn't see you standing there in the corner, what with you being all see-through and everything. Want a cup oftea? Moan once for yes, twice for no.
Allegations that Dixie Lyle has a goofy sense of humor are entirely unfounded, and should be forwarded to the unfounded and unlost department.
Allegations that Dixie Lyle has a goofy sense of humor are entirely unfounded, and should be forwarded to the unfounded and unlost department.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
March 4, 2014
I love a good paranormal cozy read. How could I resist this book, the cover alone won me over. The story follows a personal assistant who spends her down time in her bosses pet cemetery. Well it was a peaceful spot till something dark lurks in the graveyard. it gets even more loud when her childhood cat returns from the dead, 9 lives you know, and has a ghost dog co-worker. They are her guides/ helpers to try to stop a murder. The cat and dog go at it well like cats and dogs and it was hysterical. There was a story about animal abuse that was heartbreaking but had a nice resolution.
I really enjoyed this story and plan on continuing the series
I really enjoyed this story and plan on continuing the series
March 2, 2014
2.5/5
Mon avis en Français
My English review
It’s been some time since I read a cozy mystery novel, but it is true that this is something that I love, so when I saw the novel, I thought that this was an opportunity to try it. I had something in this novel that I had never read about before, and it is… talking animals. I confess that I have often avoided this kind of novels, because it is a little too abstract for me. I saw some very good books over the years like that, so I knew I had to try it. Finally I think it is perhaps not so much for me … Not that the idea is not good, but the fact that they speak was annoying and not that attracting. But back to the story.
Foxtrot manages the home and the life of a rich woman, a job rather addictive. But one day her life will be turned upside down when she discovers the existence of animal spirits in the garden’s cemetery. But even if it was only that, but the cat of her youth reappears, accompanied by a dog and they need her help. Yes, because a murder is about to be committed and they need the young woman to stop that and to save the cemetery that would be led to its loss if it happens. But when one of the maids is found dead, Foxtrot is convinced that there is more and helped of her two friends, she will begin to investigate to find out who is the culprit.
Foxtrot is a determined young woman and although she has little experience in this area, she will seek the person responsible for the murder from the beginning of the story to the end, allowing us to actually discover some characters and many animals at the same time. Moreover, despite her sudden gift, she’ll soon enough manage to turn it to her advantage. And who would not like to talk to the animals? I’m sure it would be very interesting.
I must say that I was not really surprised by the culprit in the end, because it’s quite logical. But it is true that it was interesting to see her researches and discussions with each suspect. It is very difficult to draw conclusions and each character makes her doubt. But she will also be helped by the other occupants of the house or at least some, and of course by the animals. I confess that I was really intrigued by the charming singer or by Ben, the man who will reveal quite surprising things. By cons, despite the advantage that we have here with the animals, as I said, I had a little trouble with the talking animals, I really found it too abstract and I think that after testing it, I think I will drop it and I’ll stay with the usual cozy mysteries. It was however very nice to try something different. That aside, the story is good and I enjoyed reading it all, to understand what was going to see how everything would end. But I think that I’ll stop there…
Mon avis en Français
My English review
It’s been some time since I read a cozy mystery novel, but it is true that this is something that I love, so when I saw the novel, I thought that this was an opportunity to try it. I had something in this novel that I had never read about before, and it is… talking animals. I confess that I have often avoided this kind of novels, because it is a little too abstract for me. I saw some very good books over the years like that, so I knew I had to try it. Finally I think it is perhaps not so much for me … Not that the idea is not good, but the fact that they speak was annoying and not that attracting. But back to the story.
Foxtrot manages the home and the life of a rich woman, a job rather addictive. But one day her life will be turned upside down when she discovers the existence of animal spirits in the garden’s cemetery. But even if it was only that, but the cat of her youth reappears, accompanied by a dog and they need her help. Yes, because a murder is about to be committed and they need the young woman to stop that and to save the cemetery that would be led to its loss if it happens. But when one of the maids is found dead, Foxtrot is convinced that there is more and helped of her two friends, she will begin to investigate to find out who is the culprit.
Foxtrot is a determined young woman and although she has little experience in this area, she will seek the person responsible for the murder from the beginning of the story to the end, allowing us to actually discover some characters and many animals at the same time. Moreover, despite her sudden gift, she’ll soon enough manage to turn it to her advantage. And who would not like to talk to the animals? I’m sure it would be very interesting.
I must say that I was not really surprised by the culprit in the end, because it’s quite logical. But it is true that it was interesting to see her researches and discussions with each suspect. It is very difficult to draw conclusions and each character makes her doubt. But she will also be helped by the other occupants of the house or at least some, and of course by the animals. I confess that I was really intrigued by the charming singer or by Ben, the man who will reveal quite surprising things. By cons, despite the advantage that we have here with the animals, as I said, I had a little trouble with the talking animals, I really found it too abstract and I think that after testing it, I think I will drop it and I’ll stay with the usual cozy mysteries. It was however very nice to try something different. That aside, the story is good and I enjoyed reading it all, to understand what was going to see how everything would end. But I think that I’ll stop there…
March 8, 2014
This book lacks continuity; most especially regarding the heroine's name. In the first chapter she is introduced as Deidre F. Lancaster, her middle name being Foxtrot, while near the end of the book she explains that Foxtrot is a nickname bestowed on her by her father- a reader can't help but to ask, which is it? Another scene describes Tiny (her ghostly sidekick) as having gone off on his own, only to have him make a reappearance on the next page in order to scout a room using his olfactory senses, while no more than a few paragraphs later she is asked where he has disappeared to. It is very confusing for the reader. Shame on the editors that didn't catch these mistakes. Overall I think the author has fabulous ideas but tried to integrate far too many into one plot line, making the book tiresome and convoluted. Not my favorite book and I won't be purchasing any more in the series.
February 23, 2016
Really 4.5 stars, but I rounded up.
A wonderfully unique beginning to a series that I'm sure I'll read more of; A Taste Fur Murder was a winsome first book.
The characters were eccentric in a great way; ZZ was everything a crazy millionaire should be, Foxtrot was appropriately shocked and amazed at her new abilities and the rest of the characters were great. I really like how the author incorporated so much detail about Foxtrot's abilities. I feel like I understood the book better thanks to that.
The mystery was great, the killer wasn't too surprising, but there was a limited pool of suspects to choose from so I doubt I would have been surprised regardless. The only real down point to this book was that it took me awhile to get in to, but recently every book's been that way.
Overall a great book. I'll be reading the next one!
A wonderfully unique beginning to a series that I'm sure I'll read more of; A Taste Fur Murder was a winsome first book.
The characters were eccentric in a great way; ZZ was everything a crazy millionaire should be, Foxtrot was appropriately shocked and amazed at her new abilities and the rest of the characters were great. I really like how the author incorporated so much detail about Foxtrot's abilities. I feel like I understood the book better thanks to that.
The mystery was great, the killer wasn't too surprising, but there was a limited pool of suspects to choose from so I doubt I would have been surprised regardless. The only real down point to this book was that it took me awhile to get in to, but recently every book's been that way.
Overall a great book. I'll be reading the next one!
February 2, 2017
This has got to be, one of the weirdest books I have ever read. I liked the main character Foxtrot. She was a strong character with a great sense of humor. The mystery was very interesting, I had no idea, until the very end, who had killed the victim. My over all dislike for this book was the paranormal story with the dead animals. There was just too much of it and made the story bog down at times, which made the story just drag.
Overall, I might give the second one a chance, just to see, what happens between Foxtrot and all of these interesting characters in this series.
Overall, I might give the second one a chance, just to see, what happens between Foxtrot and all of these interesting characters in this series.
November 25, 2020
2.5 stars Review to come
November 2, 2014
Deirdre Lancaster, AKA “Foxtrot,” works as a personal assistant and all-around house manager for an eccentric old millionaire, Zelda Zoransky (“ZZ”). After Foxtrot spots a terrifying and huge animal-like ghost in ZZ’s on-property pet cemetery, things take a turn for the weird… and spooky! Suddenly, her dead cat, Tango, appears… and she’s talking. Along with Tango is a talking, ectoplasmic dog, Tiny, who can also change breeds on a moment’s notice. When one of Foxtrot’s coworkers dies under suspicious circumstances at the mansion, Foxtrot and her new ghostly animal companions are on a mission to solve the case before anyone else gets hurt. They are helped along the way by a variety of other animal spirits that Foxtrot can now see and communicate with in the pet cemetery.
I liked this mystery, but I didn’t love it. I enjoyed all of the talking animals and spirits, and found that they added both a spooky and humorous factor to the story. At the same time, I tend to struggle with paranormal stories on occasion, as I find myself to be a bigger fan of contemporary and realistic fiction. I think that was the main thing that prevented me from loving this story, to be honest, and I had a slightly difficult time getting into it as a result. Despite that, the mystery was well written and not easy to solve, and the characters were interesting. I do plan on continuing on to the next book in the series because I did find the book to be enjoyable, but it bored me at times and could drag. Again, just my personal feelings. Sometimes I’ll find myself really loving a paranormal book if I can get into it properly, but at times I just struggle with the unrealistic aspect of it all. That was kind of the case here.
I liked this mystery, but I didn’t love it. I enjoyed all of the talking animals and spirits, and found that they added both a spooky and humorous factor to the story. At the same time, I tend to struggle with paranormal stories on occasion, as I find myself to be a bigger fan of contemporary and realistic fiction. I think that was the main thing that prevented me from loving this story, to be honest, and I had a slightly difficult time getting into it as a result. Despite that, the mystery was well written and not easy to solve, and the characters were interesting. I do plan on continuing on to the next book in the series because I did find the book to be enjoyable, but it bored me at times and could drag. Again, just my personal feelings. Sometimes I’ll find myself really loving a paranormal book if I can get into it properly, but at times I just struggle with the unrealistic aspect of it all. That was kind of the case here.
January 27, 2014
You might consider this book a normal "who done it" if there weren't supernatural beings, ghosts and ectoplasmic beings. The pet cemetery is threatened and it needs a protector. The eclectic guest list at ZZ's soiree provides a wealth of potential miscreants. This ended as quite an entertaining mystery.
Foxtrot is a fixer. She handles all of the eccentric ZZ's guests and their miscellaneous and often bizarre requests. However Foxtrot has a lonely job. She can't get too close to the guests nor can she jeopardize her authority by becoming overly familiar with the other employees. Foxtrot's life is so consumed by her duties that she has little or no time to herself.
Imagine her surprise when, Tango, her long dead cat shows up one day and is able to actually communicate with her. The author did a nice job in setting a very normal stage and then introducing the supernatural aspects of the plot.
I recommend the book.
Foxtrot is a fixer. She handles all of the eccentric ZZ's guests and their miscellaneous and often bizarre requests. However Foxtrot has a lonely job. She can't get too close to the guests nor can she jeopardize her authority by becoming overly familiar with the other employees. Foxtrot's life is so consumed by her duties that she has little or no time to herself.
Imagine her surprise when, Tango, her long dead cat shows up one day and is able to actually communicate with her. The author did a nice job in setting a very normal stage and then introducing the supernatural aspects of the plot.
I recommend the book.
May 9, 2015
I've just finished reading A Taste Fur Murder , a wonderful and pretty original paranormal mystery. The idea of the talking dead animals really appealed to me and I loved the main protagonist, Foxtrot, a reliable assistant with a great sense of humor and a special bond with dead animals' spirits. A clever plot and plenty of zaniness made the book pretty interesting. Finally, Topsy's story was heart-wrenching and indicative of the cruelty humans are capable of. The story's main message: love conquers all.
March 10, 2014
what a fun read! I enjoyed this book and the humor was great! Laugh out Loud Funny!!!
May 18, 2017
So, when the first line of a book is: "Ever had a job that threatened to drive you straight into a loony bin?", you have a pretty good idea what kind of story you're in for. And this book absolutely lived up to its first line - I loved it!!
As cozy mysteries go, this one is more clever, more creative, and more unusual than the norm, and it has a "magical" aspect that not only takes things in an interesting direction, but adds that "secret ingredient" to take a read from "it was fine" to "I loved it!" and this book has all that.
It's hard to really do this justice in a review without giving away too much and including spoilers, but I will give it a try.
The setting is a blast! Being the executive assistant to a kooky bazillionaire obviously offers all KINDS of fun situations for our main character Foxtrot to navigate. Working on an estate that includes a pet cemetary [but not the Steven King kind . . . well, MOSTLY not!] and for a boss who is liable to do/want/buy/arrange literally any bizarre thing makes for some very interesting goings on.
The case of characters is also eclectic and lots of fun. Rock stars, animal trainers, Olympic teenaged gymnasts - and those are just ZZ's guests. The other employees on the estate are their own kinds of quirky.
Foxtrot is a delight! Nothing phases her, and her assistant skills are more than put to the test in this book's goings-on. I love this line about her approach to "handling" her boss: ". . . whenever possible you wanted a Plan B, C, and even D ready to pull out when events decided to suddenly veer away from your carefully laid-out itinerary and into oncoming traffic." I especially love her explanation of why her job as an assistant was perfect for the things she's now dealing with: "When things really hit the fan, it was people like me who often wound up saving the day - not because we had the solution, but because we could efficiently convey the pertinent information from the person in charge to the people on the ground." As a communications person, that also describes what I do for a living, so it was neat.
There's a ton of very clever humour woven into the story, and that is always a feature in a book that gets high ratings from me. Lines like: ". . . electric elephants? How in the name of Oprah's pap smear was I supposed to deal with things like THAT?" and, "Keene seemed to have indulged in more than just alcohol as an appetizer. He . . . kept staring at the chandeliere as if he expected it to burst into monkeys at any moment."
And I would be remiss in not talking about the talking cat and dog who help Foxtrot out. Again, without spoiling, it's hard to say too much. But suffice it to say each of them is a character and filled with personality, both individually and together, and their interactions with Foxtrot are absolutely hilarious.
One of my favourite moments in the book - and there were lots of them - was when we finally get the explanation for where the nickname Foxtrot for our intrepid heroine came from and what it means. It is super clever, and I loved it!!
Overall, this is a cozy with a sort-of paranormal aspect. It was a terrific read, and I will definitely read future books in this series. There is nothing bad about this book.
As cozy mysteries go, this one is more clever, more creative, and more unusual than the norm, and it has a "magical" aspect that not only takes things in an interesting direction, but adds that "secret ingredient" to take a read from "it was fine" to "I loved it!" and this book has all that.
It's hard to really do this justice in a review without giving away too much and including spoilers, but I will give it a try.
The setting is a blast! Being the executive assistant to a kooky bazillionaire obviously offers all KINDS of fun situations for our main character Foxtrot to navigate. Working on an estate that includes a pet cemetary [but not the Steven King kind . . . well, MOSTLY not!] and for a boss who is liable to do/want/buy/arrange literally any bizarre thing makes for some very interesting goings on.
The case of characters is also eclectic and lots of fun. Rock stars, animal trainers, Olympic teenaged gymnasts - and those are just ZZ's guests. The other employees on the estate are their own kinds of quirky.
Foxtrot is a delight! Nothing phases her, and her assistant skills are more than put to the test in this book's goings-on. I love this line about her approach to "handling" her boss: ". . . whenever possible you wanted a Plan B, C, and even D ready to pull out when events decided to suddenly veer away from your carefully laid-out itinerary and into oncoming traffic." I especially love her explanation of why her job as an assistant was perfect for the things she's now dealing with: "When things really hit the fan, it was people like me who often wound up saving the day - not because we had the solution, but because we could efficiently convey the pertinent information from the person in charge to the people on the ground." As a communications person, that also describes what I do for a living, so it was neat.
There's a ton of very clever humour woven into the story, and that is always a feature in a book that gets high ratings from me. Lines like: ". . . electric elephants? How in the name of Oprah's pap smear was I supposed to deal with things like THAT?" and, "Keene seemed to have indulged in more than just alcohol as an appetizer. He . . . kept staring at the chandeliere as if he expected it to burst into monkeys at any moment."
And I would be remiss in not talking about the talking cat and dog who help Foxtrot out. Again, without spoiling, it's hard to say too much. But suffice it to say each of them is a character and filled with personality, both individually and together, and their interactions with Foxtrot are absolutely hilarious.
One of my favourite moments in the book - and there were lots of them - was when we finally get the explanation for where the nickname Foxtrot for our intrepid heroine came from and what it means. It is super clever, and I loved it!!
Overall, this is a cozy with a sort-of paranormal aspect. It was a terrific read, and I will definitely read future books in this series. There is nothing bad about this book.
September 6, 2019
monde excentrique des ultras riches
fantômes d'animaux
enquête sur homicide et/ou tentative
quelques personnages marginaux mais sympathiques (le cuisinier la véto)
quelques longueurs mais il s'agit d'un premier opus et il faut bien faire "connaissance" avec l'univers de Foxtrot (waouh, du caractère, de l'empathie etc belle héroïne digne de mon respect) et sa patronne ZZ
dans l'ensemble : agréable à lire, sans prise de tête ; série à suivre pour un bon moment de détente tout en cherchant le coupable ...
Après réflexion j'ai passé un vrai bon moment de lecture qui mérite presque un 4 étoiles
Je suivrai la série avec plaisir
fantômes d'animaux
enquête sur homicide et/ou tentative
quelques personnages marginaux mais sympathiques (le cuisinier la véto)
quelques longueurs mais il s'agit d'un premier opus et il faut bien faire "connaissance" avec l'univers de Foxtrot (waouh, du caractère, de l'empathie etc belle héroïne digne de mon respect) et sa patronne ZZ
dans l'ensemble : agréable à lire, sans prise de tête ; série à suivre pour un bon moment de détente tout en cherchant le coupable ...
Après réflexion j'ai passé un vrai bon moment de lecture qui mérite presque un 4 étoiles
Je suivrai la série avec plaisir
October 7, 2020
I read a lot of weird things and sometimes it's the weird that keeps me reading, but this one was absurd. I was ok with ZZ, the crazy rich lady, who lived so over the top I can't even imagine it. What turned me off was the ghost animals seeming to guide Foxtrot into finding something wrong. I read a few chapters with them, each one felt longer than the last. I finally realized that this one just wasn't for me and gave up.
March 16, 2020
Great laughs. Great story. Love the use of spirit animals throughout the book. One of the stories of the spirit animals really happened in real. Just like Foxtrot she researched it. I was curious so I googled it myself I was shocked and sad.
Looking forward to the next adventure.
Looking forward to the next adventure.
November 15, 2017
Registered on Bookcrossing - http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1...
Wow! Such a fun, weird, quirky, humorous mystery. Deirdre "Foxtrot" Lancaster gives Stephanie Plum a run for the money. I love the supernatural aspect of the story.
Wow! Such a fun, weird, quirky, humorous mystery. Deirdre "Foxtrot" Lancaster gives Stephanie Plum a run for the money. I love the supernatural aspect of the story.
November 19, 2021
16-11 to 18-11 (2021)
DNF 28/323 (9%)
The cat and the dog are too human, kinda annoying.
And story doesn't grab me.
Gato y perro hablan y comportan más como humanos, lo cual fastidia un poco.
Ademas la historia no me logra convencer.
Lastima de portada.
DNF 28/323 (9%)
The cat and the dog are too human, kinda annoying.
And story doesn't grab me.
Gato y perro hablan y comportan más como humanos, lo cual fastidia un poco.
Ademas la historia no me logra convencer.
Lastima de portada.
February 28, 2014
Well, hello, new series that I will follow closely until the very end. I picked up this book for the fun pun of the title, and the pretty blue cover, and of course, the fact that the plot was an interesting one with a lot of promise, and let me tell you, sometimes, it is okay to judge a book by its cover and its title.
For those of you who want me to skip the fangirling and go straight to the point, let me introduce you to Deidre 'Foxtrot' Lancaster. She's the executive assistant of one eccentric rich boss, Zelda 'ZZ' Zoransky. Life in the Zoransky estate can be described in one word as 'chaos'. I would've liked to say I exaggerated, but if I were in Foxtrot's shoes, well, I would've had a blast. But also been very tired. She deals with many different guests and their sometimes unusual demands, almost every kind of animal ZZ wishes to adopt, from cats and dogs to big, bad and ugly. She has to manage the household, arrange for all that's needed for the big estate. And lately, more responsibility, this time in the supernatural variety, falls on her shoulders too. Oh, and her workplace is near an animal graveyard which requires her immediate attention and savior abilities.
I know it sounds a bit confusing, but one gets the hang of things pretty quickly while reading. The messy environment is actually not all that messy, and the hodgepodge of people is actually very easy to distinguish. You get sucked right into the story, with all the supernatural and the mystery that needs attention, and you barely have time to process it all but somehow you manage. I think that's the success of the author. Information is sticking out from every other place but you pick them up and move on. Much like how Foxtrot has to do it.
When mentioning a mystery and having the grand duty of taking care of a graveyard for animals, one needs an entourage of course. And they were my favorite, I gotta say. Foxtrot is aided by an old friend Tango, a sassy cat who used up seven lives out of her total nine, and an ectoplasmic shape shifting beast of a dog ironically named 'Tiny'. Have you been seduced yet? If not, let me tell you, they meet an array of different animal spirits in the graveyard, and they also have to deal with the eccentricities of the still living ones. I can't introduce them all, besides, it's better if you meet them for yourself anyway.
As a series first, this book blew me away. I loved every single character that popped up in there, be it to say a few words, or dominating a few pages. I'm not even going to mention all the things I loved about the main trio because I wouldn't have enough time or space here. I enjoyed this book thoroughly, and I do recommend it to those who love supernatural stories with good characters, a fun plot, witty dialogue, and featuring our best furry friends.
For those of you who want me to skip the fangirling and go straight to the point, let me introduce you to Deidre 'Foxtrot' Lancaster. She's the executive assistant of one eccentric rich boss, Zelda 'ZZ' Zoransky. Life in the Zoransky estate can be described in one word as 'chaos'. I would've liked to say I exaggerated, but if I were in Foxtrot's shoes, well, I would've had a blast. But also been very tired. She deals with many different guests and their sometimes unusual demands, almost every kind of animal ZZ wishes to adopt, from cats and dogs to big, bad and ugly. She has to manage the household, arrange for all that's needed for the big estate. And lately, more responsibility, this time in the supernatural variety, falls on her shoulders too. Oh, and her workplace is near an animal graveyard which requires her immediate attention and savior abilities.
I know it sounds a bit confusing, but one gets the hang of things pretty quickly while reading. The messy environment is actually not all that messy, and the hodgepodge of people is actually very easy to distinguish. You get sucked right into the story, with all the supernatural and the mystery that needs attention, and you barely have time to process it all but somehow you manage. I think that's the success of the author. Information is sticking out from every other place but you pick them up and move on. Much like how Foxtrot has to do it.
When mentioning a mystery and having the grand duty of taking care of a graveyard for animals, one needs an entourage of course. And they were my favorite, I gotta say. Foxtrot is aided by an old friend Tango, a sassy cat who used up seven lives out of her total nine, and an ectoplasmic shape shifting beast of a dog ironically named 'Tiny'. Have you been seduced yet? If not, let me tell you, they meet an array of different animal spirits in the graveyard, and they also have to deal with the eccentricities of the still living ones. I can't introduce them all, besides, it's better if you meet them for yourself anyway.
As a series first, this book blew me away. I loved every single character that popped up in there, be it to say a few words, or dominating a few pages. I'm not even going to mention all the things I loved about the main trio because I wouldn't have enough time or space here. I enjoyed this book thoroughly, and I do recommend it to those who love supernatural stories with good characters, a fun plot, witty dialogue, and featuring our best furry friends.
March 6, 2014
I highly enjoyed this book! I always like some "woo-woo" in my mysteries and this definitely fit the bill.
I mean, you have Foxtrot...a woman who works for a wealthy woman who hosts various people from all walks of life for "salons". Oh, and there's a pet cemetery on the estate which has always been a place Foxtrot has enjoyed spending time. Then one day while she sits in the cemetery trying to relax she senses flashes of light and a large, dark, menacing form that sends her fleeing from the cemetery.
A cat appears and Foxtrot quickly realizes her childhood pet has apparently returned from the dead PLUS she can see animal spirits, including her new canine sidekick, Tiny. Just the following short passage should pique your interest (lines in brackets are Tiny's end of the conversation, sent telepathically while Foxtrot talks to her boss about the sighting of a cat):
"I'm a little surprised at how your new friend took it. He must be used to cats."
[One never gets USED to cats.]
"Oh, he grew up around them. He doesn't mind them at all."
[The best you can do is build up a tolerance. It's akin to smashing your head into a rock until your skull starts to go numb.]
"He's quite fond of them, actually."
[Of course, having your head caved in holds the promise of death's sweet release, whereas the mere knowledge of the EXISTENCE of cats is an unending torment ---]
Go for it...it's a fun ride!
I mean, you have Foxtrot...a woman who works for a wealthy woman who hosts various people from all walks of life for "salons". Oh, and there's a pet cemetery on the estate which has always been a place Foxtrot has enjoyed spending time. Then one day while she sits in the cemetery trying to relax she senses flashes of light and a large, dark, menacing form that sends her fleeing from the cemetery.
A cat appears and Foxtrot quickly realizes her childhood pet has apparently returned from the dead PLUS she can see animal spirits, including her new canine sidekick, Tiny. Just the following short passage should pique your interest (lines in brackets are Tiny's end of the conversation, sent telepathically while Foxtrot talks to her boss about the sighting of a cat):
"I'm a little surprised at how your new friend took it. He must be used to cats."
[One never gets USED to cats.]
"Oh, he grew up around them. He doesn't mind them at all."
[The best you can do is build up a tolerance. It's akin to smashing your head into a rock until your skull starts to go numb.]
"He's quite fond of them, actually."
[Of course, having your head caved in holds the promise of death's sweet release, whereas the mere knowledge of the EXISTENCE of cats is an unending torment ---]
Go for it...it's a fun ride!
May 27, 2019
Rating: 3.5 stars
Deirdre "Foxtrot" Lancaster is the Executive Assistant to eccentric zillionaire Zelda Zoransky. Foxtrot manages all of the day-to-day activities around ZZ's mansion and it's grounds, including a private zoo, pet graveyard and anything else that might catch ZZ's fancy. After a long day at work where she swears she saw something large an dark and just plain odd in the graveyard, Foxtrot comes home to her cat Tango. The problem is Tango has been dead for years. And suddenly she can communicate telepathically? Plus there's an ectoplasmic dog warning that ZZ is in trouble? Has stress from her job finally caught up with Foxtrot?
A Taste Fur Murder is the first in the Whiskey, Tango & Foxtrot Mystery series by Dixie Lyle. When I saw this cozy mystery featured a telepathic cat and a shape changing dog, I knew I had to give the first book a try. It was a lot of fun, had plenty of humor, though the story was a bit uneven. I loved being with Foxtrot as she struggled to adjust to the paranormal and solve a crime with her two helpers. The mystery of the graveyard and all it contains I admit made me a little teary eyed due to some of the other animal's stories and thinking about my own pets. This book shows promise. I'll be on the look out for the second in the series.
Deirdre "Foxtrot" Lancaster is the Executive Assistant to eccentric zillionaire Zelda Zoransky. Foxtrot manages all of the day-to-day activities around ZZ's mansion and it's grounds, including a private zoo, pet graveyard and anything else that might catch ZZ's fancy. After a long day at work where she swears she saw something large an dark and just plain odd in the graveyard, Foxtrot comes home to her cat Tango. The problem is Tango has been dead for years. And suddenly she can communicate telepathically? Plus there's an ectoplasmic dog warning that ZZ is in trouble? Has stress from her job finally caught up with Foxtrot?
A Taste Fur Murder is the first in the Whiskey, Tango & Foxtrot Mystery series by Dixie Lyle. When I saw this cozy mystery featured a telepathic cat and a shape changing dog, I knew I had to give the first book a try. It was a lot of fun, had plenty of humor, though the story was a bit uneven. I loved being with Foxtrot as she struggled to adjust to the paranormal and solve a crime with her two helpers. The mystery of the graveyard and all it contains I admit made me a little teary eyed due to some of the other animal's stories and thinking about my own pets. This book shows promise. I'll be on the look out for the second in the series.
February 28, 2015
I liked this story, with one caveat: it seemed to over-do the supernatural elements. Every time I thought I had a handle on the parameters of this "world", the author threw me another curve. I reserve judgement, though, knowing that a first-in-series often suffers from the need to info-dump on a reader to lay the groundwork for upcoming installments. I noticed a few editing problems - missing words, etc. as well.
Still, I like the uber-capable Foxtrot, I appreciate Tango (in all her snarky cat glory), and I was charmed by Tiny the shape-shifting ghost dog. The world in which they live and work takes some getting used to, but holds lots of potential. I will definitely check out book 2.
Still, I like the uber-capable Foxtrot, I appreciate Tango (in all her snarky cat glory), and I was charmed by Tiny the shape-shifting ghost dog. The world in which they live and work takes some getting used to, but holds lots of potential. I will definitely check out book 2.
March 19, 2014
3.5 starts- this was a fun start to a new mystery series with a little woo woo and a lot of animals! The main character works for an excentric millionaire, managing her massive estate, which includes an animal graveyard and a zoo. I liked that I learned a lot about zoo animals in this book (I was constantly putting down the book to google hippos and honey badgers, etc.!) all the different animals, and the mansion setting, made this a really fun read. I also appreciated the unique murder weapon. Looking forward to the next!
October 17, 2014
(2.5 stars out of 5)
...So, this book may be a mildly diverting read for the casual reader, or someone looking for something a little different with a bit of humor. However, more discerning readers may want to look elsewhere.
http://thedecklededge.blogspot.com/20...
...So, this book may be a mildly diverting read for the casual reader, or someone looking for something a little different with a bit of humor. However, more discerning readers may want to look elsewhere.
http://thedecklededge.blogspot.com/20...
September 19, 2014
Wow!! How have i never read DIXIE LYLE?? Sooooo funny!! I loved this book and now i must get all her previous books!!
Like a good mystery with lotsa humor thrown in and a cast of characters that will live on in your psychie forever?? This book is for you!!
Like a good mystery with lotsa humor thrown in and a cast of characters that will live on in your psychie forever?? This book is for you!!
February 6, 2014
This was a cute cozy mystery. Not usually my kind of mystery novel, but this was ok.
March 31, 2014
I REALLY enjoyed this book! Lots of different ghosties, and a very good mystery! I'll be watching for the next installment!
Read
December 2, 2014Equal parts paranormal pet story and cozy mystery with a female sleuth.
January 6, 2019
A truly unique book. Great characters, great plot. An awesome mix of fantasy and mystery. Can't wait for the next in the series.
March 29, 2021
Fun bit of fluff that I read years ago and realized I’d never marked on Goodreads. I just got an ARC of book 5 and am excited to read more in this series!
January 21, 2024
Deidre, nicknamed "Foxtrot," is the executive assistant for ZZ, a wealthy older woman who enjoys hosting gatherings of diverse people. The current salon includes an Olympic gymnast and her coach, a rock star, a pet food developer and his monkey, an inventor, and ZZ's adult son. Taking a little break from the constant demands of her job, Foxtrot walks to the animal cemetery attached to ZZ's estate, where she is startled by flashes of light and weird shapes. After this unsettling event, she realizes that a ghost dog and her deceased cat, Tango, are sharing space in her head. It turns out the graveyard is a portal between human and animal ghost worlds and its future is threatened because someone is planning to kill ZZ. But the next morning, it is ZZ's maid who is found dead. Foxtrot is taxed with protecting ZZ, finding the murderer and making sure ZZ's son doesn't inherit and sell the graveyard to a developer for quick cash.
I enjoyed the author's writing style, which is often humorous, and the plotting of the mystery. Each guest has a secret, but whose secret is actually relevant to the murder? And it's interesting how the abilities of the animals contribute to the solving of the mystery. I am fond of a little paranormal in a cozy--especially involving animals--but there is A LOT of paranormal here. The animals communicating with Foxtrot, the ghost dog who can take the form of any type of dog, the portal stuff in the graveyard and then one of the employees on ZZ's estate reveals an entirely separate and intense paranormal connection. It's a little much for a cozy. But things definitely never got boring.
In the end, Foxtrot solves the murder and things are set for another mystery. The dog decides on the permanent form of a Blue Heeler and takes the name Whiskey, so now the crime-solving trio is Whiskey, Tango and Foxtrot--WTF! Too much of a stretch for a single joke. Any time an author tries to work something like this in, I can feel the plotting and it takes me out of the story. But overall I enjoyed this new series and will likely pick up the next one at my library.
I enjoyed the author's writing style, which is often humorous, and the plotting of the mystery. Each guest has a secret, but whose secret is actually relevant to the murder? And it's interesting how the abilities of the animals contribute to the solving of the mystery. I am fond of a little paranormal in a cozy--especially involving animals--but there is A LOT of paranormal here. The animals communicating with Foxtrot, the ghost dog who can take the form of any type of dog, the portal stuff in the graveyard and then one of the employees on ZZ's estate reveals an entirely separate and intense paranormal connection. It's a little much for a cozy. But things definitely never got boring.
In the end, Foxtrot solves the murder and things are set for another mystery. The dog decides on the permanent form of a Blue Heeler and takes the name Whiskey, so now the crime-solving trio is Whiskey, Tango and Foxtrot--WTF! Too much of a stretch for a single joke. Any time an author tries to work something like this in, I can feel the plotting and it takes me out of the story. But overall I enjoyed this new series and will likely pick up the next one at my library.
July 4, 2017
Taken from my blog post:
https://woolycakesandwoodenspoons.wor...
Nicknamed Foxtrot, Deirdre is the personal assistant and manager of a whole estate owned by a zany zillionaire who likes to spend her dollars on eccentric items, like animals. While busy with the daily wrangling, Foxtrot finds out she can communicate with the paranormal and ends up teaming up with her reincarnated childhood cat and an ectoplasmic dog when there is a murder in the mansion. Together this trio has to unearth the unknown threat to Zelda who owns the adjoining cemetery of ghostly crossroads.
I usually don’t like ghosts in a story and tend to not add them on Goodreads when I see paranormal listed in the genres section. However, this is one of the very few exceptions. I liked the team and how it had the yin and yang of cat and dog. From the very start of the Kindle book, the plot took off and kept going. I enjoyed the bevy of house guests who were of different ethnicities and professions. I liked Zelda’s eccentric tastes and sharp mind. I found this cozy definitely different from others I’ve read.
One thing I didn’t quite like was the introduction of someone’s ancestral power (I’m paranoid about giving anything away.). The only reason why is because I felt it was out-of-place and wondered what did it have to do with the whole plot. I guess maybe it will be a part of another installment but I found its placing awkward. I do look forward though to learning more about it and seeing it have an important role in another book.
Overall, I enjoyed this first introduction to the Whiskey, Tango, & Foxtrot series. I will certainly be reading more.
https://woolycakesandwoodenspoons.wor...
Nicknamed Foxtrot, Deirdre is the personal assistant and manager of a whole estate owned by a zany zillionaire who likes to spend her dollars on eccentric items, like animals. While busy with the daily wrangling, Foxtrot finds out she can communicate with the paranormal and ends up teaming up with her reincarnated childhood cat and an ectoplasmic dog when there is a murder in the mansion. Together this trio has to unearth the unknown threat to Zelda who owns the adjoining cemetery of ghostly crossroads.
I usually don’t like ghosts in a story and tend to not add them on Goodreads when I see paranormal listed in the genres section. However, this is one of the very few exceptions. I liked the team and how it had the yin and yang of cat and dog. From the very start of the Kindle book, the plot took off and kept going. I enjoyed the bevy of house guests who were of different ethnicities and professions. I liked Zelda’s eccentric tastes and sharp mind. I found this cozy definitely different from others I’ve read.
One thing I didn’t quite like was the introduction of someone’s ancestral power (I’m paranoid about giving anything away.). The only reason why is because I felt it was out-of-place and wondered what did it have to do with the whole plot. I guess maybe it will be a part of another installment but I found its placing awkward. I do look forward though to learning more about it and seeing it have an important role in another book.
Overall, I enjoyed this first introduction to the Whiskey, Tango, & Foxtrot series. I will certainly be reading more.
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